Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
13:18
Data Collection on Marine Litter Ingestion in Sea Turtles and Thresholds for Good Environmental Status
Published on: May 18, 2019
12.8K
Bodies in sequestered and non-sequestered aquatic environments: a comparative taphonomic study using decompositional
A De Donno1, C P Campobasso2, V Santoro1
1Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bari, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 70124, Bari Italy.
Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society
|December 16, 2014
Summary
The total aquatic decomposition score (TADS) attempts to predict decomposition using accumulated degree days (ADDs) for submerged bodies. However, factors like adipocere formation and animal activity complicate accurate predictions in marine environments.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Taphonomy
- Forensic Science
- Decomposition Studies
Background:
- Accumulated degree days (ADDs) are used to estimate decomposition time, applicable to both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
- The post-mortem submersion interval (PMSI) can be estimated using a descriptive decompositional scoring system (DSS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of the total aquatic decomposition score (TADS) for predicting accumulated degree days (ADDs) in submerged human remains.
- To compare decompositional stages and variability between bodies in different aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- A comparative taphonomic study analyzed two groups of human remains: 16 floating corpses (3-118 days submersion, 10.5-20.3°C) and 52 shipwreck victims (210 days submersion, 4°C).
- Decompositional stages were assessed using a descriptive decompositional scoring system (DSS).
Main Results:
- Significant variability in decomposition stages and DSS scores was observed between the two groups.
- Adipocere formation in many bodies delayed later decompositional stages, preserving bodies in relatively good condition.
- The TADS model showed potential but was affected by adipocere and animal activity, impacting accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The TADS model's accuracy for ADD prediction is limited by environmental factors such as adipocere, animal activity, currents, and water temperature.
- Accurate estimation of PMSI in aquatic environments remains challenging due to the complexity of these variables.
